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Zengo Cycle Review

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It’s no secret that I’m a lover of indoor cycling classes. Sure, as a triathlete, the best possible training is to be riding my actual bike, but I’m not ashamed to admit that I’m a bit of cycling class addict and incorporate it into my training. Cycling classes are a fantastic workout, super motivating, and lots of fun! I’m all about making exercise fun and having variety in my fitness life to stay motivated. And they are actually a great supplement to my other cycling training – they’ve helped to improve my cadence and build muscle strength.

As I dive into the “off season” (is there really such a thing with Ironman Lake Placid training about to start?) I’m excited to get back into to cycling classes that I missed during the peak of my training when I had to maximize my training time on my tri bike. I’ve tried several brands of cycling classes and hope to review them all, but I’m a regular at Zengo Cycle so I wanted to start with Zengo.

Zengo Cycle Review


Zengo Cycle is a local chain of cycling studios in the DC area. They’ve popped up in the last few years and the idea is that you go get in a fantastic workout while using the bike as your cardio “tool”. There’s a Zengo Cycle studio local to me in the suburbs of DC, so it’s easy to pop over for a 6am class and be home in time to shower, feed the kids, and get ready for work.

Zengo Cycle Kentlands

Just last night, I went to an evening class after a long, intense work day and a long, intense commute in DC traffic. I was stressed when I walked in the door, but as I pedaled I was reminded why a cycling class after a crazy day is a great way to get out your stress.

Zengo Cycle studio bikes

The Classes

The 50-minute classes vary by instructor in terms of specific workout, but the format has similar elements. The music is pumping and you pedal to the beat. You have some tunes to ride hills, some jumps, some intervals, and throughout there are sections where you combine upper body movements to work your arms and core while you pedal.

It’s intense and the music is pumping, but you can really get in your own zone. The instructors are motivating and encourage you to do your best and to make the most of your workout.

Zengo Cycle studio

There’s always the “Zen” tune. This is when the lights go out, the instructor stops talking, and you just ride. You go at your pace, your intensity, and it’s a great way to refocus your mindset.

After Zen is a tune devoted to arm work. You start with bicep curls and then do a series of arm exercises. You can keep pedaling or stop during this part (although some instructors have a preference). Sometimes this part is a bit quick so it’s hard to keep good form, so I like it best when they have a nicely paced arm song where I can still maintain decent form for the exercises and am not just flinging my arms up/down/back/forth.

Then there’s a couple more tunes that build back up the intensity, and then it’s time to stretch and get off the bike.

The whole class is a total sweat-fest. My heart rate gets much higher than typical spin classes because it’s more of a total body workout.

The Studio

The bikes are Schwinn bikes, and are a pretty smooth ride.

Zengo Cycle bikes

You adjust the resistance with the typical spin bike knob – no display of power or watts or cadence. You go by feel. This has positives and negatives – on one hand you can just listen to your body, and nobody else knows what your resistance is. On the other hand, I’ve really liked cycling classes that have metrics displayed and found I work harder in those.

Zengo Cycle bike

There’s two “cup” holders, one for a water bottle and the other holds your weights. You can swap out the weights for other sizes before class – they have 1, 2, and 3 pound weights.

The Amenities

The studio provides lockers (no lock needed – you program it with a code), towels folded and waiting on each bike, and weights. You can buy water bottles at the studio and rent shoes. I believe that the shoes are $3/rental but I always bring my own. According to my receipt for water last night, it’s $2 for a water big water bottle that has a sport cap/easy spout.

Zengo Cycle bikes

There are a couple restrooms and also a shower/dressing room. I have only used the shower room once in all my visits to Zengo, and it worked out great.

The Pros

  • It is a great workout! I always feel amazing during and after class.
  • Every instructor I’ve had has been fantastic. I honestly haven’t had a Zengo instructor that I wasn’t happy with! I typically have the instructor Nas the most because of the class I attend, and she’s great! Lots of positive motivation and encouragement throughout the class, and she gets me to push it harder while feeling empowered. As with any fitness class, the atmosphere and whether it’s more encouraging vs. butt-kicking will vary by instructor.
  • The class really works your arms and core at the same time. Throughout class there’s presses down/up on the bike itself, oblique work, and then a whole song dedicated to arms.
  • Great music!
  • There’s an emphasis on your ride – there’s no judgment, no criticism, nobody watching your spin bike’s dial to see how heavy your weight load is cranked up. I love that it’s all about doing what feels good to you and then pushing yourself from that point.

Zengo Cycle bikes

The Cons

  • If you’re not used to upper body work while you ride, this can take some adjustment. When I first started doing cycling classes like this, I felt really uncoordinated. But I have the hang of it now! My dad came with me once and thought there was too much bouncing around, up and down. So check it out and decide if you like it or if you want a more “pure” cycling class that doesn’t have upper body work.
  • The weights only go to 3lbs. I’ve been to other cycling classes that have 5lb weights.
  • Cycling classes are expensive. If you buy a package you get a lower price per class, but any way you slice it, it’s still kinda pricey. I still can’t stop doing them, so I’m happy to pay for the workout since it fills a need in my workout life.
  • The classes expire after a while, which makes it challenging for me to determine which package to buy and then to use the ones I’ve bought in the allotted time frame. They’ve been great about extending the package if I contact them.
  • The music is loud. Maybe I’m getting old, but I am going to try earplugs for some of these classes.

Zengo Cycle bike

The Wrap Up

Zengo Cycle is a great workout and lots of fun – I highly recommend giving it a try! The first class is free so why not!

Zengo Cycle selfie

They open up signups at 1pm on Mondays for the week. My studio doesn’t typically sell out so I can spontaneously join workouts like I did last night, but I hear the ones in DC are busier.

You can find Zengo Cycle studios in:

  • Maryland – Kentlands (Gaithersburg) and Bethesda.
  • DC – Logan Circle and Cathedral Commons
  • Virginia – Mosaic District

Zengo Cycle Review – have you tried it? @zengocycle #zengo #zengocycle #cycling
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Do you do indoor cycling classes? If not, what’s your preferred group fitness class?

Note – this is my own independent review, Zengo did not sponsor this review and doesn’t know I’m posting it. And by the way, The Zengo links are my referral links. I think I get a free class if you sign up and spend some money on a package, so hey – why not.

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Running? We’ve Got Running.

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Whew, this is the quietest I’ve been here. It’s not by design, it’s just been a busy time lately. But now… it’s ON.

Everything seems A-OK with the sprained ankle. I’ve rested, I’ve recovered, and I’ve healed. And I’ve run. Healing an injury is stressful and confusing, but it’s all going well here in post-sprained-ankle-land. And I’m about to get back to training in full force.

The ankle still hurts when I twist/move it outward, or sit “criss-cross-applesauce” as the kids these days call it. But running? Running is fine.


Running shoes at track

I kept it to a light track workout last week and just did three intervals at a reasonable, non-gung-ho pace.

Running on track

I’ve embraced my lighter training schedule and spent time doing other things – like playing baseball with my son.

Baseball Nationals cap

And walks with the kids.

Outside with kids

And my three-mile loop around my neighborhood was awesome. I could have gone further, longer, faster – but I just enjoyed. And as I got home I ran into my sweet daughter on her way to her bus stop.

Running into daughter

I’ve also done some cycling classes at Zengo Cycle, and dove into working races and volunteering this weekend.

It’s been a nice little break from the heavier training load, but I’m back at it again with the Ironman training starting up soon. But most of all, I’m glad my injury appears to be a minor setback and I’m back on my feet.

Because Fall running is simply the best.Running shoes on leaves

Have you ever had an injury and had to take a running break? How’d it go getting back into it?

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All I Want For Christmas Is…

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And just like that… it’s Christmas this weekend. I always say it sneaks up on me more and more each year. But here it is, December 23, and I am mostly done with my shopping. I had to let some things go and prioritize what mattered the most, but I got the part-time job of Christmas shopping done. Now on to wrapping like a maniac.

So what do I want this Christmas? Well, I’ll tell you.

[Spoiler alert: I’m not wishing for material things!]


It’s days like today when I miss our Friday Five linkup with Courtney and Mar, so in honor of the linkup’s recent retirement, I’ll go ahead with a list of 5!

All I want for Christmas is…

1. Special Christmas memories with my kids. There is nothing more amazing than Christmas morning with the kids. The kids and I recently decorated the tree, and it was the signal that Christmas is coming, and to get in the mood for a great holiday!

kids and christmas tree

Their dad and I are trying to keep Christmas the same for them, despite not living together anymore. We get along great and are good friends, so it’s going to be a fun weekend making special memories for the kids. I can’t wait to see their excitement on Christmas morning!

2. A few great workouts. Yep, I’m planning some rides and runs in the quieter week that lays ahead. I’m doing a 10-mile run with my group tomorrow – it’s a point-to-point from the suburbs down into DC to look at the pretty Christmas trees. That should be fun. Then next week when I’m done “being Santa”, I’ll get in some solid time on the bike.

3. Catching up at work. My job is go-go-go all the time, and I typically have a lot of meetings, rehearsals, and concerts. But it should be a bit quieter next week in the office, so I’m hoping for time to catch up on things and get ahead.

4.  Time at home. Yes, I have some days in the office next week, but with the holidays comes a little extra time at home. I’m looking forward to taking a breath, regrouping, and starting the new year off at my 100% energy level.

Great Dane Christmas

5. Time with family friends. Christmas means family time – a bit holiday dinner tonight with extended family, and a big Christmas celebration on Sunday. I can’t wait. Also, reconnecting with old friends, spending time with new friends, and generally taking a step back to enjoy the people who are special in my life – this is an important part of my holidays every year.

So that’s all I want for Christmas!

And…. let’s just hope this doesn’t happen again this year.

Fallen Christmas Tree

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, happy holidays, or even just peaceful winter weekend wishes to you!

Do you travel over the holiday or stay at home? 

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Tips for Staying Fit in Your 40s

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Staying fit in your 40s is just a tad bit harder than when we were younger, am I right? While I’m off on my international business trip, check out these Tips for Staying Fit in Your 40s from my friend Erika at MCM Mama Runs! She’s an obsessive runner but has some other great tips for how to stay fit that aren’t just RUN MORE! Check it out and leave a comment for her, and visit her blog to follow her journey!

Cynthia asked me to write a post for her while she is off gallivanting around the world (OK, she’s working hard, but it still sounds more exciting than my life.) So, I thought I’d write about a topic near and dear to my heart right now – how to stay fit in your 40s. Yes, even though I run multiple half marathons and the occasional marathon each year, I’ve found that I’m slowly going up in weight and “fluffiness”. (Yes, fluffy is totally a thing.) Here’s what I’m doing to get back to my preferred level of fitness and size.

  1. Use those muscles – In our 40s, we start losing muscle mass. There are plenty of studies showing this loss, but there are also studies that show that it is possible to maintain or even regain some muscle mass as you age. The key? Weights. I’m not a trainer, so I’m not going to get into the heavy weights versus lighter weights issue. I’m just going to say that if all you are doing is cardio, it’s time to shake things up.
  2. Make sure you are eating enough protein – Remember those muscles we are trying to build? They need protein. I don’t subscribe to any particular diet, but lean protein and complex carbohydrates are your friend.
  3. Watch the mindless eating – This is the prime age to have tween and teen kids. And if yours are anything like mine, they are constantly eating. Around here, there seems to be food being consumed at pretty much all hours of the day. It’s hard to not grab a snack every time my boys do, but, umm, a 40+ year old woman should not eat like a 15 year old boy. Just sayin’.
  4. Add more gentle exercise to your plan – I confess: I love to run and I run 5 days a week. I don’t plan to stop that. However, I’ve been adding in a few minutes on an exercise bike or a rowing machine each week. I also try to move more when I’m working (I work from home with no bathroom on the main level, so if I drink as much water as I should, I need to walk the stairs LOL). All the little bits add up to more movement, more calories burned, different muscles used, all of which are good things.
  5. Listen to your body – Yeah, we all have more aches and pains than we used to, but sometimes those pains are trying to tell you something. Sometimes that means just take it easy for a day or two, sometimes it means you have an injury brewing. Better to listen and catch something early than to end up with something that sidelines you for a while.

There’s no denying that as we age, there are age related changes to our bodies. However, it’s definitely possible to stay strong and fit for many years and this is the prime time to be taking steps to make that happen. I guess that means I’ll be picking up those weights and keeping up my planks.


Tips for Staying Fit in Your 40s #fitness #fitmom #fitfluential
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Erika writes over at MCM Mama Runs about running, beer, and life with two kids, a gecko and a cat. She’s currently on a mission to run a half marathon in all 50 states, while hitting as many brewpubs and breweries on the way. Stop by her blog to check out her journey!

What’s your favorite source of protein? Do you find it harder to stay fit in your 40s? Any other tips for those of us working on this?

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From Russia, With Love

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I’m writing this from Russia, with love.

Kinda.

More like with haste, fatigue, and a frazzled brain. It’s been an intense, whirlwind week in Russia on my business trip, and it’s not quite over.


The jet lag coming over was not something unfamiliar to me. I don’t sleep much on planes, so the first 48 hours of my trip were basically a series of naps instead of a night sleep.

We arrived to a cold, snowy Moscow.

I’m working from early morning until late night on this trip but it’s amazing and intense and all going pretty well.

I don’t have time for any sightseeing – but did some last year when I was here so I feel okay about it. I had about 5 minutes in Red Square this trip.

And most of the rest of the sights are seen at night walking from one thing to another.

St. Petersburg is really beautiful at night, though!

I managed to get in some workouts while here.

Running on treadmills in other countries means a quick conversion is necessary on my phone to know what pace to set it.

I also had some fun trying Russian vodka.

But mostly I survived on coffee and adrenaline!

It’s just about time to head back to reality and catch up with my life, but I just wanted to check in from Russia, with love!

(I wrote this while in Russia, but I’m posting after I’m back – readjusting has thrown me for a loop this week!)

 What’s your favorite way to fit in fitness while traveling?

 

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Jet Lag, Be Gone

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The good thing about international travel is that when it’s over, you have an excuse for sleeping a lot. In my case, the problem with sleeping a lot was that life didn’t stop the moment I got back from Russia. I returned and life was rolling in full force. But I was jet lagged.

Work didn’t stop – I returned to all the things that were waiting for me before the business trip to Russia, and then some.

The Pike’s Peek 10K work was ramping up. Race day is this Sunday, April 23!


IRONMAN Lake Placid training was ramping up.

My kids had missed me. I have been away for longer in the past, but this trip felt significant.

And I took my daughter to NYC for a doctor’s appointment a few days after returning, which added to the insanity of the re-entry.

So yeah, jet lag added to that did not help. But I tried. And I did okay.

One amazing thing through all this is the friends who have been there for me to support me in my triathlon training. Really, the connection and bond we have through fitness and sport has been such a light in my life. Not to get too sappy…

 

But let’s get sappy. When you’re recovering from a busy period in life, travel, jet lag, insane schedule, and you have friends who drive almost an hour each to just get in a workout with you?

You’re a lucky girl.

My good friend Wiebke drove almost an hour at the crack of dawn to do a swim workout with me at my local pool. It really got me up and moving at a time when I was having trouble waking up and getting moving.

Jet lag, ya know…

And I was twice lucky after I returned from Russia. I also had a good friend Lester come over to ride our Wahoo KICKRs together. He biked with me 2 of my 3.5 hours and my kids were happy and playing nicely as we rode.

So I gave myself one week to readjust and to accept that working out was hard, no matter that I tried to keep up with it on the road. The readjustment was hard.

After that one really tough jet lagged week, I felt like it took one other full week to get back on track. But I couldn’t do extra. My coach had some extra strength workouts he was trying to add into my plan, and I just wasn’t ready to do more than the essentials of the training. The swim, the bike, the run.

So I did those things.

Now in Week 3, I’m back on track so I’ll recap this week early next when I can say how awesome I rocked it.

I hope.

So for now, I’ll just say – I’m back.

Jet lag = over.

Life = very busy but not insane.

Determination = present.

Passion = to the max.

Ready for IRONMAN 70.3 Chattanooga next month?

I think so.

Ready for IRONMAN Lake Placid in July?

Not quite.

So we plug on. I have some really good things going on and I’m going to be back on track here on the blog now. Let’s do this, 2017! Again….

Have you ever tried to do “life” and also work out through jet lag or another crazy time?

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6 Single Mom Workout Tips

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Being a mom makes it hard to do things for yourself. But being a single mom makes a lot of things even more challenging. Simple things like running out to the store, taking the dog for a walk, or grabbing takeout are not so simple when they involve getting three kids out the door to accompany you. You can’t just leave the kids in the house with another parent to grab some eggs at the store – it’s an event. But working out as a single mom? Now that’s challenging! A lot the challenges of a single mom are experienced by stay-at-home moms with kinds underfoot, or moms who have busy spouses in some fashion. You can’t just leave the house for a run, or go to a fitness class – it takes planning, determination, and creativity.

Throughout my time as a single mom, I have not only continued to work out, but I trained for a full Ironman, It was tough, but I learned to adapt and I fit in workouts to the best of my ability. So I thought I’d share a few single mom workout tips that I learned along the way!


1. Schedule it! When you’re a busy mom, it’s easy to let yourself slide down the priority food chain. There’s always something else that needs to be done besides taking care of yourself and your well being. But I find if I schedule my workouts like other commitments and must-dos, I’m less likely to skip them.

I live and die by my Google calendar schedule. It has multiple calendars layered in different colors. I created one for “Workouts/Training” and a it means I make it a priority and work other things around it.

So make a date with yourself and put your health and fitness a priority at that moment in time – you’ll feel great that you did!

2. Find what you love and do THAT. It’s hard to be motivated to do a workout when you are tired, busy, and stressed, and your kids aren’t cooperating. It feels like yet another chore. But if you can find that one exercise routine or fitness activity that you love, you’ll look forward to it and you will be more motivated to do it.

For example, I love biking in my house – whether it’s on my spin bike or my actual bike on a bike trainer, it’s my favorite way to get in a workout at home these days. I can watch a movie or TV show, I can still “parent” from the bike, and I get in a great workout! And because I love it, I am more likely to get the workout done, no matter how tired I am.

3. Be flexible. Fine, you’ve scheduled the workout but something came up. Whether related to a kid’s schedule or their unpredictable moods, it happens – been there! As moms, our lives are complicated and your kids need to come first. So be flexible!

Have a Plan B. Figure out another way to get in some activity during the day. If my scheduled workout is thwarted, I might have to get creative and include the kids (see #5!), readjust my schedule, or sacrifice my evening relaxing time for an evening workout.

4. Use what you’ve got. I have a secondhand treadmill that I bought, and it’s been a lifesaver for fitting in my running. But before that came into my life, I did a lot of home workouts with no cardio equipment at home. A yoga mat and a workout video is really all you need to get started! You can incorporate yoga, pilates, core workouts, bodyweight exercises, or intervals and circuit training in your own house.

5. Include them. I have a stroller running addiction – I love it, my kids love it, and we don’t ever want to stop. But I can only take one at a time, so I try to find a way we can all be active as a family. My kids love family walks in the evenings. One might be on a scooter, one on a bike, and one holding the dog leash – it’s all about being active together and enjoying the moment.

6. Share your outcomes with the kids. I train for running and triathlon races, but it’s not typical that my kids can come watch me do the actual race. The logistics of it just don’t work unless I have someone to watch them at the race site. So it’s important to either bring them or show them pictures – they see what mom’s been working for this whole time. If a goal race isn’t your end game, then find a way to show them how strong and healthy you are from all the workouts they have witnessed!

I’ve also found some great groups for moms – whether running, walking, or even online, finding a community and encouragement from others is a great way to stay motivated! It isn’t always easy to fit in workouts as a single mom, but I really enjoy the journey of fitness and family and my kids are inspired and motivated to be active and healthy.

How do you fit in workouts when your schedule is complicated?

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New Year, New Goals?

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The new year always offers the feeling of a fresh start, a fresh perspective. A blank canvas upon which to write a new chapter of your story. I’ve been reflecting on what I want my 2018 “story” to include.

Last year, my fitness goals were so clear – I had IRONMAN Lake Placid 2017 etched into the schedule since July 2016. It gave me direction and focus, and everything I did revolved around that goal.


I don’t have a date circled on the calendar in 2018 that my life and training is revolving around.

I always knew I wanted to do another Ironman, I’m definitely not one-and-done. I had picked one out for 2018: I was ready to pull the trigger on Ironman Mont Tremblant. But I took a step back and thought through my life, my other goals, and my balance of time.

Life was incredibly busy this year. It was a whirlwind. It wasn’t without balance, but it felt like life was a nonstop race.

So while another Ironman may possibly happen in 2018, right now I’m working on a plan that has Ironman 70.3s (aka half Ironmans), along with full and half marathons, and shorter local triathlons. I want to get faster, which I had been doing in 2016 before taking on the full Ironman training.

And I want to rock climb, hike, camp, do fun things with my kids, and go on adventures with friends. So I’m thinking that 2018 isn’t the year of another full Ironman. Maybe it’s the year of discovering a different balance in my life.

If I reach the spring and feel pretty good about my life, I reserve the right to change my direction.

I’ve used this blog for years to share my journey, and I plan to continue in 2018. You Signed Up For WHAT?! doesn’t need to just mean triathlon and running race registrations – I’ve “signed up” for this life, and everything I pack into my life is part of that story.

I’m ready to write my 2018 story, and can’t wait to share it with you.

What’s your big goal for 2018?

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7 Tips to Succeed with Morning Workouts

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Do you have dreams of crushing a morning workout, but you’re just too tired to get out of bed? Yeah, me too.

I used to be a solid morning worker-outer, and I really loved the feeling of getting up and getting it DONE before the day began. It worked so well for me. It freed up more time in my day, I started the day energized, and everything just clicked. 

Then something happened. Things changed. I started snoozing the alarm. Choosing my warm bed over the treadmill. Chilling with a cup of coffee and checking email at 6am instead of getting on the bike. Getting older and more tired. Are these just excuses? Is there a way to succeed with morning workouts?

I know why It’s my own fault. I always say that I’m “a night owl trapped in a morning person’s body”. Maybe it’s the other way around – a morning person who is living a night owl life. I’ve spent my life working in the arts – concerts and events at night, often finally getting home at midnight. Traveling the world, changing time zones. But the fit life is best done as a morning person. Group bike rides happen at 7am, races require transition setup at 5:30am. It’s rough to burn the candle at both ends, but also pretty exhilarating at times when things are clicking.

So after years of figuring out how to best succeed with morning workouts, here’s what I (and you!) can do to set yourself up for success.

7 Tips to Succeed with Morning Workouts

1. Go to bed early enough

This one is obvious, but I put it as #1 because it’s my downfall. As I said, I’m a night owl trapped in a morning person’s body. The real deal is that my kids go to bed by 9pm and then I do all my things: dishes, laundry, work, writing on this blog, social media, putting away laundry, drinking a glass of wine, more laundry… you get the picture. I always say that my memoirs will be entitled “Doing Laundry at Midnight”.

I say “early enough” because it’s different for everyone. I don’t need as much sleep as most people – 7 hours is pretty ideal, but I can function on six. A lot of runners and triathletes talk about going to bed at 9pm. That would just never happen with me. You have to figure out what works for you, your body, and your life.

Calculate the time you have to be up, back it up from there, and set an evening alarm to shut off the computer and go to bed. These voice assistants like Alexa and Google Home are great for this – they can give me a reminder to go upstairs at 10:30pm so I’m in bed by eleven.

2. Prep it. Prep it all.

Set out your clothes, watch, shoes, water bottle, fuel. The goal should be that you wake up, act like a zombie: put on the workout gear, grab what you need, get going. It minimizes the “oh no, I forgot to charge my Garmin!” because you’ll see that the night before. If I’m doing a home workout, I’ll lay it all out by the bike trainer or treadmill or yoga mat.

3. Have a plan.

The best workouts are the ones where I know what I’m going to do – it’s planned and not left to my own inspiration on what I feel like doing that day.

Planning to run an undetermined amount of miles vs. a training plan that says Do X on this day – which one will make me hit snooze?

Planning to go to the gym to do something vs. having a planed workout for weights at the gym or a class to attend – which one is more likely to get me moving?

4. Arrange a “workout date”.

A sense of obligation – I have to meet someone to run at 6am and they are counting on me: that’s a huge motivator. I don’t want to let them down. I know if someone is waiting for me on the corner to run, at a workout class, or at the gym… I’m not gonna hit snooze through that.

But more than that, having someone you are meeting at a specific time is a pretty great way to succeed with the morning workout in terms of quality of the workout. I run more consistently and with less breaks, I work harder at the gym, I make more effort when I’m with someone else.

5. Set a motivational alarm or song.

I used to use that standard iPhone alarm. But now… well, it’s something that will make me actually ignore the snooze button. I like to change it up: currently it’s “Let’s Get the Party Started”. But you can use what will motivate you. Find something that makes you want to sing along (unless you’ll wake up the person sleeping next to you!), or that will get you to snap to consciousness a little bit quicker, and with a smile.

Because every day is a gift.

A chance to make the most out of this one life we’ve been given.

A party to get started at 6am.

Workouts to crush. 

6. Book a class.

When I book a 6am cycling class, I bolt out of bed at 5:15am and rock the pre-workout routine of clothes-food-car. Somehow paying for a workout makes me motivated to get there! The inspiration of the instructor and the camaraderie with the other classmates all pushing themselves at 6am is totally inspiring.

7. Treat yo’self in the eve.

No, not with a huge chocolate chip cookie. Well, sure, have a cookie if you want – but while cookies are delicious, they aren’t a good way to “reward” working out. Let’s get away from the food reward mentality.

I mean treat yourself to something you get to do later in the day. The amazing feeling of crushing a morning workout leaves your evening free to do whatever you want.

You can make a fun evening plan – knowing I have plans with friends or a date in the evening and can’t “just do it later” motivates me to workout first thing in the morning.

Or a relaxing evening plan – plans for a quite evening reading a book or watching a movie by the fire are something to look forward to. 

Or special time or talks with your kids, spouse, BFF, or a long-distance friend. Schedule a Facetime chat with a friend you haven’t seen in ages!

Knowing that you have your whole evening free to do whatever you want because you’ve crushed the workout in the morning makes me feel like I have more hours in the day to enjoy.

Bonus #8: Find your accountability partner.

So now: you and me. We’re going to find some accountability. It can be another person, a Facebook group where you post your workouts every day (Attagirls, I’m looking at you! 👀), a coach, an app, a gym friend, a personal trainer, a daily log you make for yourself. Something.

When I started working out and losing weight about 16 years ago, I lost 43 pounds through accountability. But I didn’t have anyone else. I printed out a blank calendar and decided I had to fill in something on the calendar three times a week towards my health and fitness goals. Then upped it to five times a week. I called it “Operation Get Off The Couch”. And it worked. 

But now I need other people. I just created a Facebook group that you can join if you want that accountability. It’s called You Signed Up For WHAT?! and it’s where we can share our big goals, challenges, and successes. Join me!

 

Now go set that alarm.

 

What’s one way that you succeed with morning workouts?

 

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Staying Healthy and Fit in the COVID-19 Era

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Hello, everyone! I hope you are staying healthy and safe during the COVID pandemic. Thankfully, my little family has avoided the virus thus far. We’ve done our part “social distancing” and have had a lot of quality time together. It’s been a tough, unusual year without my races and travel, my kids’ little league and other activities, and gatherings with family and friends. The world has changed so much in such a short time, and nobody is unaffected. I’ve been thinking a lot about Staying Healthy and Fit in the Covid-19 Era. It’s not all about physical health and physical fitness. It’s been a rollercoaster mentally and emotionally for so many of us. But for me, the key to this time period has been:

  • Have a routine
  • Stay active
  • Focus on nutrition
  • Find outlets for mental and emotional health
  • Learn something new

I’ll write more in the coming weeks about a lot of these things specifically but I’ll give a quick rundown of some highlights of good things that have happened. I do get down about the negative – the loss of things we were looking forward to this year, the uncertainty about the future, the affect of this era on my children, and so much more.

Believe me, it’s not been easy — I primarily work in the arts. An industry that has been devastated by Covid. I’ve lost income, work, and so much of what made me “whole”. But I like to focus on the positive! So here are a few positive things that have happened in my life since the shutdown/Covid time period. Basically, how I’m staying healthy and fit in the Covid-19 Era – this is what’s brought me joy and hope and excitement:

  • Lost quite a bit of weight that had crept back on last year, and I’m back to the fitness I had two years ago! I’ve been working with a nutrition coach via Stronger U and it has been fantastic – tracking macros, sleep, and more. The support and accountability is incredible and it just makes sense since it’s about balance, and healthy eating for life. No gimmicks.
  • Started teaching indoor cycling at Life Time, and a new yoga/barre/cycle studio called Senz, right before the shutdown. The timing was crazy – in Feb/March, I was onboarding at Life Time and Senz was having their grand opening. They had to shut down on their first official day open! Things are back open and I’m loving it. Masks, distancing, and lots of cleaning protocols.
  • Passed my AFAA Group Fitness Certification! I had been taking the online course and studying since December, but my test was canceled several times due to Covid. Finally passed my test and got certified in July!
  • Learned to sail and got my ASA101 certification! Again, canceled a couple times due to Covid and finally success. When my kids are with their dad you can often find me on a boat.

Hmm, what else!?

  • Lots of hiking and rock climbing, most recently in West Virginia last week. The perfect “social distance” vacation. More to come on those outdoor adventures in further posts since there’s so much great recap to do of that trip, but here’s a pic!

I’m dreading the fall with my three kids’ virtual school, since the Spring was really tough when school went to distance learning. I already work from home since I’ve been self-employed for a few years, but now I’m juggling work with three kids underfoot, and managing their online learning schedules and assignments. It’s hard, and I’m sure many of you can relate.

I hope you’re all in some sort of comfortable groove with the “current/new normal”, and I’m curious how you’re holding up! Are you staying healthy and fit in the Covid-19 Era? Let me know in the comments here, or on Facebook or Instagram.

running in the covid-19 era

Is running with hand sanitizer the new normal?

 

How are you staying healthy and staying fit during the COVID-19 era?

The post Staying Healthy and Fit in the COVID-19 Era appeared first on You Signed Up For WHAT?!.





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